Blog: Diabetes foot care

Warmer weather is here, and many of you will be kicking off your shoes at home, at the beach or in the park. But is that a good thing?

The American Diabetes Association estimates that one in five people with diabetes who seek hospital care do so for foot problems. As a person with diabetes, you are more vulnerable to foot problems because diabetes can damage your nerves and reduce blood flow to your feet making it harder to heal an injury or resist infection. Because of these problems, you may not notice a pebble in your shoe, so that you could develop a blister, then a sore, then a stubborn infection that might cause you to lose a foot or leg to amputation.

Take care of your diabetes. Work with your health care team to keep your blood glucose in target range.

Check your feet every day. Look at your bare feet for red spots, cuts, swelling, and blisters. If you can't see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone to help.

Be more active. Plan your physical activity program with your health team.

Ask your doctor about Medicare coverage for special shoes.

Wash your feet every day. Dry them carefully, especially between the toes.

Keep your skin soft and smooth. Rub a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes.

If you can see and reach your toenails, trim them when needed. Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.

Wear shoes and socks at all times. Never walk barefoot. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Check inside your shoes before wearing them. Make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside.

Protect your feet from hot and cold. Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Don't put your feet into hot water. Test water before putting your feet in it just as you would before bathing a baby. Never use hot water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets. You can burn your feet without realizing it.

Keep the blood flowing to your feet. Put your feet up when sitting. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for five minutes, two or three times a day. Don't cross your legs for long periods of time. Don't smoke.

Begin taking good care of your feet today. Set a time every day to check your feet. And let us know if you have any other tips.

I’ll keep this short as possible), it seems like any Dr. that I have went to can tell me about the condition that I have about my feet. You see my problem is that my feet itch a lot, sometime so bad that while I’m driving my car I have to pull over just to scratch my foot. And sometime it seem to itch inside where I can’t get to, this is frustrating because I can’t relieve the itch. I do take Gabapentin 600 mg it seem to help but still get irritated with this symptom: The Dr. Seem not to know the problem. Yes I am Diabetic plus have high blood pressure but everything is in control. This itch can happen anytime without warning, and especially at night while in bed. If anyone knows about this condition please let me know any cures available... My email is (michaelmccll@yahoo.com) thanks have a bless day... oh yeah I am Man in my 50’s....
Michael-

Michael

January 15, 2014 5:44 p.m.

I have diabetes and neuropathy in my feet. Tried many types of shoes and the ones unlike best are I-Runners. Hard to find but call around until you find them. It's worth the effort because they are very lightweight, roomy and just flat out the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn.

Roger

October 17, 2013 11:16 p.m.

one I suggest the Hopme care clinic Of Uk

Samar singh

October 8, 2013 6:08 a.m.

People with diabetes should more focused on their foot care then others because diabetic foot needs more care than a normal foot and a number of foot problems is only with people with diabetes. One of my friend having diabetes and he also had some foot problems because of diabetes but luckily he got some good physician at a foot store named Foot Solutions the specialists there helped them a lot to recover from these foot problems.

Adam

July 26, 2013 2:56 p.m.

sore on anckle bone wont heal person is 90

Linda

April 23, 2013 6:22 p.m.

I trim my husband 's toenails and have noted a 'pit' at the outer corners of the nail beds of one foot. They don't seem to be getting larger and he doesn't complain when I clean sock fuzz out. what gives?

Wanda

May 15, 2012 2:43 p.m.

Protect your skin from the sun and exposure to extreme elements by using sun screen, seeking shade and wearing protective clothing. Use a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A and B rays to all exposed skin. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days and after swimming and sweating.

Nancy and Peggy

May 13, 2012 2:07 p.m.

Hi Nancy Klobassa Davidson!!
Wonder full blog on feet tips.I'd like some advice too.In summer, your skin is exposed to external factors like free radicals, wind, harsh weather, stress, and the ultraviolet radiation found in sunlight.
people will appriciate if you can just add some tips regarding anti aging skin care to your blog, thanx keep up the good work.

Alana Mitchell - anti aging skin care

January 8, 2012 2:22 p.m.

I have found that custom Orthotics helps.

Josh

September 17, 2011 12:40 p.m.

type2=what can i do the soles of my feet hurt so bad ,like walking on bruises..there not cracked or dry or sloowen...

sandra

December 15, 2010 3:43 a.m.

really like this post..Want to hear more from you in future Thanks for this one:)

October 21, 2010 9:24 a.m.

Is foot massage contraindicated for diabetic feet care? I have recommended that my clients use a tennis ball in the instep area and roll to increase circulation. I do not recommend this for someone who is or has a risk for blood clots or claudication.

sandra

August 15, 2010 10:26 p.m.

I have type 2 diabetes and neuropathy in both feet, I am currently on (4) 300mg gabapentin 3 times a day for pain. Most days I can hardly walk because the pain is so severe, I usually wear bedroom slippers (which I have to change several times a day) because shoes are just too painful - even &quot;diabetic&quot; shoes...I have a few pair of &quot;crocs&quot; that are several sizes too big (so my feet don't touch in a lot of places)...anyway, I am wondering if there is anything else out there for pain that someone can suggest. I cry myself to sleep several nights a week from the pain.
I also just lost my health care coverage and will lose my unemployment in two months...

teresa

July 27, 2010 10:51 a.m.

i am a type 2 diabetic and have severe pain in my feet from neuropathy. i was givin a prescription by my dr but im on medicare and only have part d prescription coverage and it wont cover it. ddoes anyone know what i can do for the pain

Sally

July 16, 2010 1:39 a.m.

Thankyou for sharing this inforimation its indeed very helpful. I am a type 2 diabetic and have a problem when my diabetes increases many red spots appears on my foot and legs but not on any other body part. I dont feel any pain or iching but after few days it turns into brown and disapears after a month. when I consulted with doctor he said its ok if you dont feel any pain or iching.

Sadaf

June 23, 2010 12:14 p.m.

My husband is Type 2. He has lost his toenails twice. Is this a result of the diabetes or a fungus?

Linda

June 16, 2010 9:40 p.m.

I WOULD ASK ANYONE WHO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THEIR FEET.

William

May 26, 2010 7:16 p.m.

im 24 years old and im a diabetic. About 2 weeks ago i stubbed my big toe, and the brusing hasnt gone away, instead its become swollen and started oozsing pus, what should i do

janie

February 13, 2010 12:08 p.m.

hello i'm not very good with a computer.my doctor is checking me for diabetes.last november i had a blood test done.it gave a a1c level of 7.7 .six months ago it was 6.1.my weight was 226 lbs on my first test in july.in november it was 208 lbs .it is february now my weight is 180 lbs i am 5'10&quot;.each time i went to see my doctor he would tell me to lose weight and exercise.and i have.i have changed my diet and exercised daily.i have had no real problems until a couple days ago.my feet feel like thy're on fire.my hands are numb.it is very painful just to stand let alone walk.i have very high cholesterol and triglycerides.i also have high blood pressure.my doctor has been treating me for these.I am not on any meds.for diabetes.I thought my feet were just sore from work.today is saturday and they hurt so bad.I will make an appontment on monday.does this sound like nerv problems.Is it doing more damage.my wife told me to make appt. last wensday.I hope i have'nt bored you first time ever doing this on comp.also real quick.i have always felt i was in great shape my cholesterol was 378 and my trigs were 3040.yes 3040.i will be fifty nent month.thank you.dave

Dave

December 2, 2009 9:49 a.m.

I have considerable diabetic neuropathy problems with my feet and legs, at times like a thousand bees stinging me. Keeps me awake at nights from the pain. I have used all kinds of lotions and creams, including numbing types, with little luck. I try exercise, by walking, but it causes callouses and blisters on my feet. I am in a vicious cycle. The only treatment I have found successful is with Anondyne Therapy that vets use on racehorse legs. It works!!! Unfortunately, the PT sessions are very expensive, and insurance limits the number of treatments. The device is too expensive to purchase, and very few Physical Theapists even know what I'm talking about, or can afford the equipment. Can anybody explain why in this world of all the money spent on diabetis research and management nobody has developed an inexpensive and simple way to use this therapy on a very common problem for diabetics. It seems that only answer the medical profession can give us is to prescribe more expensive pills, which don't work (like Neurontin--might as well flush it down the toilet for all the good it does, but that seems to be the only answer doctors can give.) I am very frustrated with the medical profession about this. Does anybody know of available alternatives?

Patrick

November 19, 2009 8:04 a.m.

I went in to do a home visit on a pt I have never seen before. she is a parapelegic x 30yrs, plus mx health issues. Upon inspection of her feet I found all 10 toes reddened at the tips. I put in for a consult but suspect non repairable damage related to her Diabetic and physical dilemma. What do you think?

Kathleen

September 13, 2009 2:29 p.m.

I found a shop that sells you a box of your own instruments, etc. I take it with me each time I get a pedicure. My particular person is well informed about diabetes and does a wonderful job. For me, it's not about having great looking polish on my toes, but I am able to get me feet taken care of at a local place instead of having to see a foot specialist every month (and pay a great deal of money) to have my toesnails clipped, etc.
You do have to look around, however, to make sure the technicians are aware of diabetic care of the feet (I lucked out).

Chris

July 21, 2009 5:08 a.m.

Be certain that your shoes fit with room to wiggle your toes. Look inside your shoes before putting them on, in case there are any foreign objects hiding in there, such as gravel, that could cause sores or irritation. Wear clean well-fitting socks.

Maddy

July 6, 2009 6:23 p.m.

This is a good article. Little tips like these go along way in maintaining the health of your feet.

Fancy Feet

June 17, 2009 6:40 p.m.

A question about peripheral neuropathy on the feet. I'm considering getting the spinal cord stimulation(SCS) installed on a trial basis. Are there concerns about this method of treatment. I'm fairly active and tried medications neurotin etc., but didn't like the side effects. I'm tired and frustrated of the pain and the lack of being active for prolong periods.

Gabe

May 28, 2009 4:24 p.m.

Yes, you can live without a pancreas. After you have a pancreas removed you become a type 1 diabetic and will be on insulin and other pancreatic enzyme replacements for the rest of your life.

Nancy and Peggy

May 28, 2009 1:39 a.m.

This has nothing to do with feet but can a person live without their pancreas. Had an email from a dear friend and her husband had most of his removed last year and the rest may have to be removed. He is sick again. No cancer involved.
Thanks,
Linda

Linda

May 22, 2009 11:32 p.m.

Thank you for all the information. I am type 2 (pre-diabetic or actually diabetic, controlling by diet and exercise with readings in the 110's). Both my mother and grandmother were diabetic, and also a brother.
I am really trying to take good care of my feet, going to see that the doctor checks them at my next appt.

Sally

May 21, 2009 1:15 p.m.

One of the items says &quot;check for red spots on your feet.&quot; What if you have these red spots - what to do about it? I saw my dermatologist yesterday and pointed them out to her and she said they might mean the psoriasis is trying to break out there. I somehow don't believe that. I do have psoriasis on my heels due to a reaction to a beta blocker that I have to take (my mother had psoriasis all over but this is first time I've experienced it and I'm 77 years old.

mary duc

May 21, 2009 8:15 a.m.

For those of you who are struggling with this economy and maybe have little or no health care insurance, the American Diabetes website has health insurance information for people with diabetes. The web address is: http://www.diabetes.org/advocacy-and-legalresources/healthcare/insurance.jsp

Nancy and Peggy

May 20, 2009 8:46 a.m.

Al and Jackie: Don't take any chances and get your feet checked out right away. Jackie, we would recommend that you check with social services in your area. Look in the county pages in your phone book. Social services can offer financial assistance services such as food and cash benefits and medical assistance to eligible families and individuals.

Nancy and Peggy

May 20, 2009 1:19 a.m.

I have diabetes 2 and have a bloody itchy rash on my left foot and its also swollen. no insurance HELP

Jackie

May 20, 2009 1:07 a.m.

I HAVE DIABETES 2 AND MY LEFT ANKLE HAS A RASH AN ITCHY BLOODLY ONE AND MY LEFT FOOY IS ALSO SWOLLEN QUIT BAD. I DO NOT HAVE INSURACE SO I DO NOT KNOW WAT TO DO.HELP

Jackie

May 19, 2009 7:57 p.m.

I found that exercise (bike, treadmill, etc.) helped my feet a lot. The foot specialist told me I had an excellent foot pulse. That's an improvement from when my toes were getting numb.

Carol Ann

May 16, 2009 9:42 p.m.

Had my feet checked last month-I am type 2 diabetic. Today, in the shower, I noted that my feet are light on top by the toes. I felt the area and it is soft and pulpy. I have been doing heel lifts while standing at the theropist. Thank you.

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